Surgical treatment of cardiac metal foreign body in 20 cases

Objective To make early diagnosis and improve surgical tr eatment by analyzing management of 20 cases of cardiac metal foreign body. Methods Diagnosis was made with evaluation of case history, c linical manifestations, chest X-ray films and echocardiography. Among the 20 pa tients who received operation, 13 had emergent exploration and 7 had elective op eration. Four patients were operated on under cardiopulmonary bypass. The foreig n bodies were frequently located in the right ventricle and most of them were bu llets. Ventricular fibrillation occurred in 3 cases during operation, 2 of the m were resuscitated. Results Nineteen cases recovered and 1 died. The mortality ra te was 5%. Conclusions Early diagnosis of localization of foreign body, rapid management and proper operation are important.